Strauss scored 7,037 Test runs at an average of 40.91, leaving him ninth in England's all-time run-scorers list.

During his time in charge, England became the world's best Test team for the first time.

Cook, 27, will take charge of his country for the first time in the four-Test series against India in November.

He said: "I'm very excited by this new challenge. It is a huge honour to be appointed Test captain and I am very much looking forward to captaining the side in India this winter and beyond."

Analysis

Jonathan AgnewBBC cricket correspondent

"Everyone in the media respected and admired him for the way he conducted himself in the job, but much more importantly he took those same credentials and abilities into the dressing room, and that is why he was so well respected in there."

Strauss was England's third-most experienced captain and the second-most successful behind Michael Vaughan, with a record of 24 wins from his 50 matches at the helm.

He also led the side to home and away Ashes triumphs during a run of victories that saw them crowned as the world's number one team for the first time since the rankings were introduced.

Strauss added: "I am extremely proud of everything I have achieved as a cricketer and I have found myself very fortunate to play in an era when some of English cricket's greatest moments have occurred. I have loved every minute of it.

"It hasn't been something that occurred overnight. It has built over a few months. I would like to go out on my own terms with my head held high and I think this is the right time."

The retirement of Strauss will be overshadowed to an extent by the unsavoury controversy involving star batsman Pietersen.

Strauss's record as captain

But Strauss was insistent he had made a decision about his future before the news of the texts broke on the eve of his 100th Test match at Lord's.

"I first spoke to Andy Flower about it prior to the Kevin Pietersen incident rearing its head," he said. "It just hasn't been a consideration.

"I first spoke to Andy about this a few weeks ago and said I'm considering it and would talk to him at end of the South Africa series. By the time I spoke to him again, my mind was made up and I think he knew that."

Strauss sent letters to members of the England team explaining his decision to retire and they responded by sending him 100 bottles of wine.

It was a sign of the high regard the dressing room held him in, a view Cook voiced as he paid tribute to his predecessor.

"Obviously I've got huge boots to fill," said Cook. "It feels like I've spent all my England career walking out to bat with him. Unfortunately it might mean I have to take the first ball now."

"@648 Those who want KP back remember - he will only play those series he chooses. He'd probably go to India to boost his IPL value, certainly Australia, and SA to prove to them what they have missed (!), other than that it will be 20/20 leagues and big fat sponsorship deals"

I join with all best wishes to Andrew Strauss for a great retirement. In all my years of watching cricket, can say I saw his potential early - but as a fervent English cricket supporter, he achieved far more than I ever envisaged. Great captain, great player but more than that, a thoroughly decent man who anyone should want their children to use as a role model.

@649 I suppose you are right look at the 90's Aussies now that was a team full of egos. But you know that Steve Waugh wouldn't have stood for any of it, and it wouldn't have even got this far with him in charge. But then again he was one of the all time greats captaining an all time great team. And you are right, everyone can put up with the other when you are winning.

Humble in victory, gracious in defeat, Andrew Strauss has been one of the finest skipper in international cricket. Served the Gentleman's Game with dignity and brought honor to club and country. Wishing the retiring England stalwart happy times.

The reality is that there are several big egos in and around the current England team. We have to accomodate these players due to their ability even if they are arrogant. But for it to be effective you either need to be winning consistently or have a tough captain who will lay down the law. We haven't won much recently and Strauss although a good captain would not rock the boat.

Those who want KP back remember - he will only play those series he chooses. He'd probably go to India to boost his IPL value, certainly Australia, and SA to prove to them what they have missed (!), other than that it will be 20/20 leagues and big fat sponsorship deals.

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